The power of an ideal –

On March 23, 1775, Patrick Henry delivered arguably the most famous quote in American history, "Give me Liberty, or give me Death!” This passionate and defiant statement, spoken in opposition to tyranny, represents the heart of the American Spirit.

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson penned the Declaration of Independence. Within this document are thirty-five words that elegantly communicate an ideal so simple and powerful that it has launched rebellions worldwide.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.”

This ideal represents a universal truth that appeals to the hearts of men concerning the rights and liberty of all people; our republic rests upon this principle. This conviction still has the power to inspire revolution today. What we are seeing today in the Middle East is the direct result of this uniquely American ideal. Young people in Tunisia, Egypt, Yemen, and other Arab countries are risking their lives by speaking out against oppression in their countries.

I’ve always believed that America’s greatness isn’t derived from its military power or because of capitalism, but the power of our words and ideals. The Middle East rebellions began because of the spread of ideals made possible by the internet and social media websites like Facebook. The internet provides a forum for the free exchange of ideals that has created a force that despotic regimes are powerless to contain. As a result, the Middle East is experiencing a renaissance like never before. Much like the invention of the printing press, which encouraged literacy and helped to spread new ideas during the European Renaissance, the internet is having the same influence worldwide today.

The ideal of self-governance, which started in Western Europe in the 17th century, became a reality in the 18th century in the form of the American Revolution. Today, young people in the Middle East are exercising their “unalienable” rights in the same fashion as young colonials did, both influenced by the writing of Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence.

“That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

We are seeing history in the making in the Middle East. History influenced by the quintessential American ideal of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness spoken by Thomas Jefferson 235 years ago.

Let freedom ring!